If you have suffered an injury while working or if you are suffering from an occupational illness, odds are you are eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits. Most employers across the United States are required to maintain workers' insurance coverage to protect themselves and their employees in the event of incidents in the workplace. Workers' compensation coverage goes into effect as soon as you start working. However, your injury or illness must be work-related in order for you to receive benefits. If these requirements are met, you are most likely eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits. The claims process, however, is very precise and you must follow the specific guidelines set forth by that state in order to be approved for benefits. You should consult with a workers' compensation attorney, who can help you file your claim and get the benefits that you are entitled to receive. Requirements for Workers' Compensation Not all employers are required to have workers' compensation coverage, but most of them do have to have it. Some states require an employer to have three or five employees before coverage is required, but most states don't have a set minimum as long as the company has an employee at all. Usually, coverage is purchased by the employer from a private insurer or through a state fund. In some cases, employers can self-insure. When it comes to workers' compensation eligibility, not all workers are technically employees. You must be an employee in order to qualify for workers' compensation. If you are an independent contractor, you are not an employee and cannot receive workers' compensation benefits. Interns might be considered an employee and eligible for benefits, but it depends on the situation. Usually, volunteers are not employees and are not covered. Then, your illness or injury must be work-related. That usually means that if you are doing something for the benefit of your employer and it leads to your injury or illness, then it is considered work-related. If all three of those requirements have been met, then you are most likely eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits for your illness or injury. Consult With A Workers' Compensation Attorney If you are suffering from a work-related illness or injury and you think you might be eligible to file a workers' compensation claim, you should consult with a workers' compensation attorney. A lawyer will be able to determine if you are eligible to file a claim and if so, which benefits you are entitled to receive. You have nothing to lose and no out of pocket expenses when you work with a workers' comp lawyer. Instead, they will take any expenses and their pay out of your settlement. They will not be paid until they get you money for your claim. Schedule a free case evaluation with a workplace accident attorney today so you can get your claim underway. Each state has a strict statute of limitations that adhere to filing such claims, so the earlier you file your claim the better. Additional Resources Do You Qualify for Workers' Compensation? Workers' Compensation Claims by Injury What Makes You Eligible for Workers' Compensation?
